The Brooch is Back

Photo: Elle Magazine, courtesy of gorunway.com

This year, I've started noticing brooches. That's right, those things my third grade teacher, and probably yours, always wore on her label. Only they're not just for matrons anymore. My renewed interest might have started with the interesting way Gwyneth Paltrow wore a brooch on Oscar night earlier this year.

Gwyneth Paltrow wears a brooch on her hip Oscar night, 2011

 And then I happened to see this month's Elle. Chanel's Fall 2011 show featured low, loose chignons, dressed up by a bejeweled pin. Doesn't it look great? And for once, this is a hairstyle I know I can do-- especially the messy part! (To wear a brooch in your hair, either stitch the pin to a comb/barrette, or pin it through a secure elastic/ bobby pin.)


Brooches come up for auction routinely, and never in greater numbers than they do in early December, when all the pre-holiday jewelry sales are in full swing. In fact, I found so many fantastic brooches, that I am dividing my finds into two postings.

For the Gardener...

Princess Kate wore a maple leaf brooch on her recent visit to Canada--the same pin, in fact, that Queen Elizabeth wore as a princess in 1951. Flower/ leaf pins are among my favorites for their timeless appeal.

18 k yellow Tiffany yellow gold and diamond brooch,
At Leslie Hindman on December 4th, estimate $1,500-2,500.

An 18k yellow gold and ruby brooch. In Chicago on December 4th, estimate $500-700.

Note that while weight is often listed, the measurement is not. Feel free to email the auction house and request the measurements, as photos can be deceiving.

Vintage Cartier leaf brooch.
At Leland Little in North Carolina on December 3rd, estimate $1,000-3,000.

I think Hillary looks so pretty here. I love the gold flower!

Vintage Tiffany 18k gold and ruby brooch.
At Heritage Auctions in Dallas on December 5th, estimate $3,000-5,000.

This convertible brooch lets you leave the gold at home for when you want a more monochromatic look.
At Heritage Auctions on December 5th, estimate $3,500-4,500.

Miriam Haskell costume jewelry is now a hot collecting category--so if you have some at home, take good care of it!
Pair of faux floral brooches, at Leslie Hindman on December 6th, estimate  $100-200.

If course, you don't have just flowers in your garden...

A snail is much more welcome on your lapel than in your garden--especially when it's as pretty as this one.
South sea pearl, diamond and white gold brooch, at Heritage on December 5th, estimate $2,000-3,000.

Ryker Art Nouveau garnet, diamond and enamel dragonfly brooch,
at Michaan's on December 5th, estimate $900-1,200.

14k gold, diamond and pearl butterfly brooch,
at auction in Chicago on December 4th, estimate $600-800.

Art Nouveau pearl, diamond, ruby and enamel butterfly.
At auction in California on December 5th, estimate $1,600-2,500.

 
 For the Modernist...






On Sunday, I watched The Good Wife.  Diane Lockhart, the co-head of a law firm played by Christine Baranski, wore a stunning pin that proved a welcome embellishment on her otherwise severe suit. No stills yet, but here she is on the left, wearing another striking pin.



The pin's abstract design reminded me a bit of the one below--perfect the mid-century modernists out there who are busily adding the Formica cabinets back to their ranch houses. This pin really reminds me of the ceiling and chandelier in the opera house at Lincoln Center.

Swiss Modernist 18k gold and diamond brooch. At auction on Novermber 20th in Madison, New Jersey, estimate $400-600.

Michell Obama used a modern starburst brooch to add a focal point to her drapey neckline.

Ooh, opals! A pair of cabochon opal pins, at Kamelot auction in Philadelphia on November 19th, estimate $400-600.

I close with a pin that's a little bit modern, a little bit floral and more than a little bit stylish. More to come on Friday. Happy bidding everyone!

1960 18k gold and diamond pin. At auction in Dallas on December 5th, estimate $2,000-3,000.